On July 11, 2022, VAN’s Stephen Chapis was afforded a unique opportunity during a visit to Sanders Aeronautics in Ione, California. For over ten years, Stephen had followed the restoration of the Dwelle family’s T. Mk. 20 WE 820 (formerly known as Blind Man’s Bluff/Critical Mass) and as the first post-restoration flight approached, Stephen and Ken Dwelle discussed the customary photo flight. During those discussions, Stephen broached the subject of flying a Sea Fury four-ship with WE 820 and the Sanders’ Sea Furies 924, Argonaut, and Dreadnought. Ken spoke to Dennis Sanders who enthusiastically agreed to the flight.
In the week leading up to the flight, the photo ship and pilot lineup was finalized. The photo ship was Sanders’ TBM-3U BuNo 39629 with Bernie Vasquez at the controls. Down below with Stephen was Sanders’ Jim Rollison. Leading the Sea Fury formation was Ken in WE 820, with the late Sherman Smoot in Argonaut, Dennis in 924, and Joel Swager in Dreadnought. Thanks to a thorough pre-flight brief and precision flying by the pilots, the flight went exactly as planned. The following video is a brief behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and on-board videos.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Very good to see and rare to see 4 Sea Furies flying in formation.
I have a friend Henry Young who flew SeaFuries from Aircraft Carriers after WW2 He is now 100 years old and still very active driving his car and playing tennis 4 times a week
He flew other fighters during WW2 but has always said the Sea Fury was his favourite to fly.